Does a Footstool Need to Match the Sofa?

Last updated on August 15, 2025

Time to read 9 min

Darling, let me tell you about the time I walked into a client's living room and saw the most perfectly matched sofa and footstool set - and it was utterly lifeless! The room felt rather like a furniture showroom display, all matchy-matchy with no personality whatsoever. That's when I realised that the answer to whether your footstool needs to match your sofa isn't a simple yes or no.

The truth is, your footstool absolutely doesn't need to match your sofa perfectly. In fact, I'd argue it often shouldn't! Think of it as choosing accessories for your favourite outfit - you wouldn't wear matching shoes, bag, and belt in exactly the same fabric, would you? (Well, unless you're channeling 1950s coordination, which has its own charm!) The key is creating a conversation between pieces, not an echo chamber.

Now, let's talk about what really matters here. Your footstool should complement your sofa, creating visual harmony without being a carbon copy. I've designed hundreds of living rooms over the years, and the most memorable ones always have that element of surprise - perhaps a velvet footstool paired with a linen sofa, or a leather ottoman dancing with a bouclé sectional.

Where to Put a Footstool in a Living Room? Designer's Choice: Solid Wood Foot Stool How to Pick a Footstool? What's the Best Height for a Footstool? Our Most Popular Solid Wood Footstools Bringing It All Together: Matching The Footstool To The Sofa Frequently Asked Questions About Matching Footstools and Sofas Related Readings

Where to Put a Footstool in a Living Room?

The placement of your footstool can make or break your living room's flow, and I've seen some rather interesting interpretations over the years!

The classic position is, naturally, in front of your sofa or favourite armchair, about 30-45cm away. This gives you enough legroom whilst keeping everything within comfortable reach. But darling, don't feel confined to this traditional setup! I once had a client who positioned their footstool at a jaunty angle between two chairs, creating the most delightful conversation corner. It became the spot where everyone gravitated during parties (probably because it held the wine and cheese boards so perfectly).

Think of your footstool as a versatile friend who doesn't mind moving about. During film nights, pull it close for ultimate comfort. When guests arrive, shift it to the side as an impromptu side table or extra seating. I particularly love floating a footstool in the centre of a seating arrangement - it becomes rather like a soft coffee table that invites people to put their feet up and relax.

Leave at least 75cm of clearance for main walkways.

Designing your living room? Check Out Our Solid Wood Footstool Collection.

Designer's Choice: Solid Wood Foot Stool

How to Pick a Footstool?

Let's chat about the art of choosing the perfect footstool, shall we? After twenty years of helping clients make this decision, I've developed what I call my "footstool formula" - and no, it doesn't involve complex mathematics!

First, consider your primary use. Will it mainly support tired feet after long days, or do you need it to moonlight as extra seating when your book club comes round? For foot-resting priority, choose something well-padded with durable upholstery. For multi-purpose use, opt for a firmer cushion that won't sag under different weights. I once had a client who bought the softest, squishiest footstool imaginable, only to watch in horror as her mother-in-law disappeared into it like quicksand during a dinner party!

Style-wise, here's my golden rule: your footstool should either whisper or shout, never mumble. Choose a complementary neutral that whispers elegantly alongside your existing furniture, or pick something bold that shouts with confidence - perhaps a vibrant pattern or unexpected texture. The muddy middle ground of "almost matching but not quite" is where design dreams go to die.

Consider these practical elements:

Storage needs (ottoman chests are brilliant for hiding throws and magazines)
Mobility (castors or lightweight options for easy repositioning)
Durability of fabric (leather and performance fabrics win for families with children)
Scale relative to your sofa (aim for about one-third to half the sofa's length)
Your lifestyle (pet owners might prefer darker colours or patterns)

The texture game is where things get interesting. If your sofa is smooth leather, try a nubby linen or plush velvet footstool. Got a textured bouclé sofa? A smooth leather ottoman creates delicious contrast. I always tell clients to bring fabric samples when footstool shopping - natural light reveals true colours better than any showroom can.

Don't forget about the legs! (The footstool's, not yours.) Exposed wooden legs can tie in with other furniture, whilst fully upholstered pieces feel more contemporary. I'm particularly fond of brass or bronze legs at the moment - they add just a whisper of glamour without trying too hard.

Looking for Footstools? Check Out Our Complete Solid Wood Stool Collection

What's the Best Height for a Footstool?

Getting the height right is absolutely crucial, and I learned this the hard way when I bought my first footstool purely for its gorgeous William Morris fabric without checking the measurements. (Spoiler alert: my legs dangled awkwardly for two years before I admitted defeat!)

The ideal footstool height should be level with or slightly lower than your sofa seat height. Most sofa seats sit between 40-50cm high, so your footstool should ideally be between 35-45cm. Any higher and you'll feel like you're doing yoga poses just to relax; any lower and you might as well put your feet on the floor.

Here's my professional measuring trick: sit on your sofa in your most comfortable position, then measure from the floor to just below your knee. That's your perfect footstool height! I've found that most people prefer their footstool about 5cm lower than their sofa seat, as it creates a gentle slope that's wonderfully comfortable for extended lounging sessions.

Sofa Seat Height	Ideal Footstool Height	Maximum Footstool Height
38-40cm	33-38cm	40cm
41-43cm	36-40cm	43cm
44-46cm	39-43cm	46cm
47-50cm	42-45cm	48cm
51-53cm	45-48cm	50cm

What Is a Cushioned Footstool Called?

Oh, the wonderful world of footstool terminology! It's rather like learning a new language, isn't it? A cushioned footstool goes by several names, and knowing the differences can help you sound terrifically knowledgeable at dinner parties (or at least when shopping for furniture).

An ottoman is the most common term for a cushioned footstool, particularly when it's substantial and upholstered. The name comes from the Ottoman Empire, where these low, cushioned seats were first popularised. If your cushioned footstool has storage inside, it's often called a storage ottoman or ottoman chest. A pouffe (sometimes spelled pouf) is typically a round, soft, cushioned footstool without legs - think of it as a sophisticated floor cushion that's been to finishing school!

Then there's the tuffet (yes, like Miss Muffet's!), which is essentially a low, cushioned stool.

A hassock is similar but traditionally used in churches as a kneeling cushion, though the term has crept into home décor. My personal favourite term is the cocktail ottoman - a large, cushioned footstool that doubles as a coffee table. I have one in my own living room covered in a divine emerald velvet that never fails to spark conversation (and holds a tray of drinks beautifully).

Our Most Popular Solid Wood Footstools

Bringing It All Together: Matching The Footstool To The Sofa

Remember, darling, your living room tells a story, and your footstool is a supporting character that can either blend beautifully into the narrative or steal the scene entirely. The choice is yours!

The most successful rooms I've designed always have that element of the unexpected - perhaps it's a vintage kilim ottoman paired with a modern sofa, or a sleek leather cube complementing a traditional Chesterfield.

Think of your footstool selection as an opportunity to express personality rather than a matching exercise. Your living room should feel collected over time, not purchased in one fell swoop from a furniture showroom. Mix periods, play with textures, and don't be afraid to let your footstool be the piece that makes guests say, "Oh, where did you find that?"

The journey to finding your perfect footstool might involve some trial and error (rather like dating, really), but when you find the right one, you'll know. It'll fit your space, serve your needs, and make you smile every time you prop your feet up with a cup of tea and a good book. Now that's what I call successful interior design!

1. Measure first, shop second: Before you fall in love with any footstool, sit on your sofa and measure from the floor to just below your knee. This is your maximum footstool height - aim for 5cm lower for optimal comfort. Write this measurement in your phone notes so you'll always have it whilst shopping.

2. Create contrast, not copies: Choose one element to match (colour family OR texture OR style period) and let everything else contrast. If your sofa is smooth grey linen, try a navy velvet footstool with wooden legs rather than another grey linen piece. This single decision will elevate your entire room.

3. Test the dual-purpose potential: Before purchasing, consider if your footstool could serve at least two functions - perhaps foot rest plus storage, or ottoman plus emergency seating. In real living spaces (not magazine spreads!), furniture that works harder means rooms that live better.

Frequently Asked Questions About Matching Footstools and Sofas

Does a footstool need to match the sofa perfectly?

No, your footstool doesn't need to match your sofa exactly - in fact, complementary colours and textures often create more visual interest. The key is ensuring they share a common element, whether that's colour family, style period, or material finish.

What's the ideal distance between a sofa and footstool?

The optimal distance is typically 30-45cm, allowing comfortable leg extension whilst maintaining easy access. This spacing ensures you can walk around the footstool without constantly bumping into furniture.

Can I use a footstool as a coffee table?

Absolutely, a large, flat-topped ottoman works brilliantly as a coffee table, especially with a decorative tray for drinks. Choose a firm, stable design at coffee table height (around 40-45cm) for the best dual functionality.

Should my footstool be the same height as my sofa?

Your footstool should ideally be level with or slightly lower than your sofa seat cushion. Most people find 5cm lower than the sofa seat height provides the most comfortable angle for relaxation.

What size footstool do I need for a three-seater sofa?

For a three-seater sofa, choose a footstool that's roughly one-third to half the sofa's width. This typically means a footstool between 60-90cm wide, depending on your sofa's dimensions.

How do I style a footstool in a small living room?

In small spaces, choose a footstool with hidden storage or one that can tuck completely under a console table. Round shapes work better than square ones as they're easier to navigate around.

What's the difference between an ottoman and a pouffe?

An ottoman typically has a firm structure with legs and often includes storage, whilst a pouffe is a soft, legless cushion that sits directly on the floor. Ottomans are generally more formal and substantial than pouffes.

Can I mix leather and fabric with my sofa and footstool?

Mixing leather and fabric creates sophisticated contrast and is a designer favourite technique. A leather footstool with a fabric sofa (or vice versa) adds textural interest and prevents the room from feeling too uniform.

What colour footstool goes with a grey sofa?

Grey sofas pair beautifully with mustard yellow, blush pink, navy blue, or emerald green footstools for colour. For a subtler look, try charcoal, cream, or cognac leather to complement without competing.

How do I clean and maintain my footstool?

Regular vacuuming prevents dust buildup, whilst most fabric footstools benefit from annual professional cleaning. Leather footstools need conditioning every 6-12 months to prevent cracking and maintain their lustre.

Is it okay to have two different footstools in one room?

Having two different footstools can work wonderfully if they share a common element like colour, height, or style. This approach actually creates a more collected, personalised look than matching pairs.

What's the best footstool fabric for pets?

Performance fabrics, tightly woven textures, and leather are most resistant to pet hair and claws. Avoid loose weaves, delicate silks, and loop pile fabrics that can snag easily.

Should I choose a footstool with or without storage?

Choose storage if you need to hide remotes, throws, or magazines, but remember storage ottomans are typically firmer and less comfortable for foot-resting. Consider your primary need before deciding.